Look for a clean little neon
I would try to stay in the 2003- 2005 model years myself. They are very similar to the Stratus. Sebring platform.
But much easier to work on and parts are cheap.
Look for rust in the rockers and front lower K frame, lower control arm bushings are an issue.
If you go this route, and unless its been done recently. Do a timing belt/water pump kit is about $100 and takes an afternnon to do with common tools.
Otherwise these cars are easy to maintain, cheap to get parts for and easy to upgrade if they so desire as far as power train or suspension / body mods

Bought my youngest daughter a 2004 a couple years ago. Solar Yellow, 2.0 Auto, sunroof car. Absolutely rust free , But Needed trans gone thru , which I did myself. Ive got right about $2000 total in the car. And that was almost 3 years ago. And this $ includes putting 4 tires on it this past fall

Odds are you can find the same car today for under $2000 and have a car thats easier/cheaper to maintain without the potential 2.7 issues